Greenock HSFP Black 1 vs 3 Kilwinning

Our final Divisional Cup group game this morning ended in a 3-1 defeat against Kilwinning.

We lost an early goal while trying to play out from the back, with Kilwinning pressing high to win the ball in a dangerous area before cutting it back for a simple finish to make it 0-1.

To the boys’ credit, they responded well and got themselves back into the game quickly with a clever set-piece. Kaiden and Ashton combining well, then Ashton delivering an inch-perfect ball onto Taylor’s head for the equaliser. 1-1.

Zack then had a good chance late in the half, getting across his marker and getting a strong effort away, but the Kilwinning keeper did brilliantly to keep it level.

Half-time: 1-1

Kilwinning regained the lead around 10 minutes into the second half when their winger went on a stong run from just inside the half, which we didn’t deal with well enough, making it 1-2.

As we pushed for the equaliser, they added a third with around 10 minutes to go, from a ball over the top leaving the striker 1v1. This really killed any momentum we had, and from that point on, we never really looked like we would find a way back into it.

Overall, it was a sloppy performance from us and not the prettiest game in general. Kilwinning probably won the majority of those battles and picked up more of the second balls as well. On the day, they looked hungrier and were deserving of the win.

It’s a disappointing result, but not the end of the world, and the good news is that we still look to have topped the group on goal difference.

Said to the boys afterwards, there is no shame in losing games, but what matters is how quickly they respond. We’ve been on a really good run, and now the focus turns to a massive game next weekend away to Pollok in the League Cup semi-final.

Goal:

Taylor ??

Coaches’ Man of the Match:

Jay ?? A really solid performance at centre-back as stand-in captain. He won the majority of his headers and produced one of his strongest defensive displays of the season.

A special mention as well to Ben, who stepped in at centre-back in the absence of Bob and Lyle. Ben’s attitude is superb, he never moans, just goes out there and does the job wherever he’s asked to play. He has been a really important player for us this season.